Ann Harada to play the role of 'Christmas Eve' in "Avenue Q"

Ann Harada to play the role of 'Christmas Eve' in "Avenue Q"

Cast update for the musical Avenue Q, which opens at the newly re-named Noël Coward Theatre (formerly the Albery Theatre) on 28th June 2006, following previews from 1st June - booking to 30 Sep 2006

The role of Christmas Eve will now be taken by Ann Harada, who originated the role of Christmas Eve in the Broadway production.

The rest of the cast remains the same: Jon Robyns (Princeton and Rod), Simon Lipkin (Nicky and Trekkie Monster), Julie Atherton (Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut), Clare Foster (Mrs T.) , Sion Lloyd (Brian), Giles Terera (Job), Luke Evans, Matthew J Henry, Gloria Onitiri, Gabriel Vick and Yanle Zhong.

It has music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty. Directed by Jason Moore , designed by Anna Louizos, lighting by Howell Binkley, choreography by Ken Roberson, costumes by Mirena Rada.

Puppets conceived and designed by Rick Lyon.

Avenue Q started its life in 2002 with an off-Broadway run at the 200 seat Vineyard Theatre, where it was extended four times. It then opened at the Golden Theatre on Broadway in July 2003.

Avenue Q is not the most upmarket of New York streets, and is about as far away from Park Avenue as you can get, but it is home to some lively and off the wall characters performed by an unholy comedic alliance of humans and puppets! Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, has just moved to this neighbourhood as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery. Life may suck on AVENUE Q but being jobless, homeless, politically incorrect, having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno... and that's just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in then songs of this show.

It is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, Vineyard Theatre, The New Group and Cameron Mackintosh